Imagine a busy street in London. There is a lot of hustle and bustle. People are commuting to work or coming in and out of shops. In the crowd, individuals wearing “No religion, just Jesus” T-shirts stop bystanders and say, “Can I ask you a question?” This simple question sparks the start of a church’s mission.
Brian Clark and his wife Mindy are Americans who live and spread the word of God in London. In December 2004 they moved from Springfield, Mo., to London to work with Monnow Road Baptist Church. In July 2007 the couple started a new church, The Crossroads Baptist Church in Bromley, a burrough of London. Through the years the Clarks have recruited the help of many people to help in their mission. The church’s motto, “No religion, just Jesus,” is effective, the Clarks said, because the Bible does “not reveal a religion,” but teaches people to repent, believe and follow Jesus.
Iolans Tony Godfrey, Harvest Baptist Church’s pastor, Mason Wilson, youth pastor, and Levi Baker, youth member, will help with the Clark’s mission from June 16 to June 24 by traveling to London.
Godfrey said this concept should not be confused with street preaching where individuals stand on street corners and yell messages.
“The goal is to see if people want to have a conversation about God,” Wilson said. “It’s more than me preaching at you but more of a dialogue.”
Once someone agrees to stop and listen, the missionaries are able to discuss the Bible with them.
Harvest Baptist’s vision is to go, bring and build. The congregation’s desire is to share God’s message in the community, bring believers into the local church and help grow people’s faith. The trip to London is intended to help the three men learn how to do this more efficiently in Iola.
“We’re not going there to help them but they’re teaching us how to do this in our city,” Godfrey said. “It’s really easy to get stuck in a Christian bubble where you only spend time with other Christians. Going there will help us engage people.”
Baker is a recent Iola High School graduate. He wants to use this mission trip as a tool for the future.
“I’m going to Allen Community College in the fall and I’m not really sure on how to evangelize to people there,” Baker said. “Hopefully this will teach me how to.”
The group will be on the street speaking with individuals from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. over the duration of the trip.
“Some people might be a little standoffish but our goal is not to debate but introduce them to Jesus,” Godfrey said.
To learn more about the mission work in London visit, www.noreligionjustjesus.org
